Media Guide

The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) is committed to responsive, transparent communications with the local and national media. MSCAA’s Public Information Officer is
responsible for managing the media relations process, and every effort is made to provide information about and access to the airport and its staff.
There are a number of entities involved in the daily operations at the Memphis International Airport, including the MSCAA, airline companies, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Transportation Security Administration, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and tenants /vendors.
All MSCAA media inquiries should be directed to Glen Thomas, Public Information Officer.
• Phone: (901) 922-8301, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Email: glent@mscaa.com
• Fax: (901) 922-8099
• After Hours: The PIO’s mobile number is available on request

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage. Contact TSA for:
• Inquiries about airport security (some aspects of airport security are the responsibility of the airport, including perimeter control and employee access control)
• Security screening and checkpoints
• Wait times at security checkpoints
Contact Info
Mark J. Howell, Regional Spokesperson
• Phone: (404) 460-2282
• After Hours: (877) 632-7327
• Email: mark.howell1@tsa.dhs.gov
• Email: tsamedia@tsa.dhs.gov

The FBI is responsible for investigating and responding to incidents that occur on an aircraft that is still on the ground. The FAA would have jurisdiction once the flight is in the air.
• Supervisory Special Agent Joel E. Siskovic
• Phone: (901) 747-4300

Media Access

Media are allowed unescorted in all public areas of Memphis International Airport. This includes terminal lobbies and hallways, parking lots and garages, and designated observation areas. The media should not block or restrict movement anywhere in the terminal, and concourse entrances and exits should not be obstructed. When conducting interviews, the media must not interfere with airport or airline operations.No cables, extension cords, lights, etc., may be placed in any public area without prior approval from MSCAA. Such items, if approved, must not interfere with passenger flow or airport operations.There are strict federal regulations that limit access to sterile areas of the airport, including areas beyond security checkpoints, boarding areas, and the airfields. Access to these areas requires the approval of both MSCAA and the appropriate federal entity or entities.
In the event of an emergency, a media staging area will be created for MSCAA in order to facilitate coverage and interviews. Tenant areas--which include airline gate and ticketing areas, restaurants, shops and other business—are leased space. Access to these areas must be obtained from the tenant. MSCAA asks that all media contact the Public Information Officer prior to filming or conducting interviews at the airport. Media representatives are required to display press identification and identify themselves to anyone they interview, photograph, or film.

Parking

MSCAA will provide parking for media while they are covering airport-sponsored events, such as news conferences, special public events, or emergencies. Media may park in any garage or lot, and MSCAA staff will ensure that media parking tickets are validated. Typically, for television interviews, media vehicles are parked on the upper-outer drive near the departure/ticketing level. At all other times, media representatives are expected to pay regular parking fees. The MSCAA Public Information Officer will work with the media to provide a designated spot for microwave and satellite trucks. Such vehicles must not block roadways or otherwise impede traffic flow in the lot. In the event of an emergency, media will be provided a designated observation and staging area.

Commercial Filming Requests

Commercial filming and photography requests are subject to review and approval by MSCAA. Please contact Glen Thomas at glent@mscaa.com or (901)922-8301 for more information.